Administrative Options

Formal Speeches

Public speaking is one of the most important skills you will use as
a Model UN delegate. You will need to convey your member state’s
positions, help build consensus and formulate resolutions. Usually, the length of time a delegate is allowed to speak is set by the conference organizers. Delegates can make a motion to increase or decrease the time allotted to each speaker. If another
delegate seconds the motion, then the committee will vote on changing
the speaker’s time.

You will have numerous opportunities to speak in your committee during a Model UN simulation. The Chair will maintain a speakers list of delegates who would like to make formal speeches. During caucusing you will have an opportunity to speak informally to delegates in your
committee, but it is still important to keep the principles of
effective public speaking in mind.

Although speaking is an
important part of any Model UN simulation, many delegates fear speaking
in front of a large group. The best way to cope with these fears is to
be well-prepared.You should research as much as possible about your country and the issue the committee will
be debating. You should be comfortable explaining your country's
position and have ideas on what you would like to include in the
committee’s resolution. If you come to the conference prepared, you
will be eager to speak in committee and project confidence.

Here are some helpful tips to making an effective formal speech. Bear in mind these don't come easy, and the more you put yourself out there the easier public speaking is.

Prepare: Decide how you feel most comfortable
delivering your speech. You may choose to use your position paper text
as your opening speech or you may write out some key points. In time,
you may feel comfortable speaking without any written notes at all. If
you plan to use a word or phrase that is unfamiliar to you, make sure
you learn its meaning and how to pronounce it properly.

Practice: Rehearsing your speech is the
best way to perfect your public speaking skills. Try practicing in
front of a teacher, a parent, or fellow Model UNers from your class or
club. When you listen to a speech, provide constructive feedback rather
than criticism. When someone critiques your speech, accept the feedback
graciously and use it as a tool to strengthen your public speaking.

Consider your audience: Make your
speech appropriate to the age and experience-level of the other
delegates at the conference. Remember that the beginning of the speech
should captivate your audience and make them to want to hear more.

Eliminate unnecessary “filler” words:
Fillers are words and phrases such as "umm," "well," "sort of,” and
“like". These words take away from the message you are trying to
convey. Some additional fillers to avoid are “so,” "you know," "I
think," "just," and "uh."

Use meaningful pauses: Leaving a moment
of silence between sentences can be a powerful public speaking tool.
Pausing after an important point or before answering a question will
help to hold the audience’s attention. A pause can also give you time
to formulate your next statement.

Breathe: Try to breathe from your
diaphragm – the organ below your lungs that controls your respiration.
You are breathing properly if you can see your abdomen rising and
falling with each breath. Try to inhale and exhale completely.

Pace yourself: Don’t talk too fast or too slow. Remember that most speakers have a tendency to talk too quickly.

Choose a powerful posture:
Be aware of your posture when you speak. Slouching, tilting your head
and crossing your arms or legs will take away from your message. Stand
up straight, relax your shoulders, plant your feet firmly and keep your
knees unlocked to help you communicate confidence.

Project your presence: Speaking in a
low to medium volume can help to project authority, but make sure that
you are speaking loud enough to be easily heard. Focus on speaking with
enthusiasm and energy.

Gesture: It is worthwhile to use your
face, hands, arms and body to help you communicate as long as your
motions do not distract the audience from your speech.

Connect with your audience: Glance at
your notes rather than reading them so that you can make eye contact
with the other delegates. It is often helpful to speak directly to
individual members of the audience.

Get to the point: Speak concisely so
that your audience does not lose your main arguments among
less-important details. Try not to speak in circles. Instead, go
straight to your most important point.

Be positive: Rather than criticizing
another point of view, critique it in a constructive way. Always
provide alternatives and be sure to back up your arguments.